Read Achilles statement from "Agamemnon's Appeal to Achilles."

"Even as a bird carries food to its nestlings till they are fledged, and never ceases to work for them, while she is herself but ill fed, so has it been with me."

What is the meaning of the figurative language in this sentence?

Responses

Achilles and the other chiefs are joining together as an army because King Agamemnon has wronged them.
Achilles and the other chiefs are joining together as an army because King Agamemnon has wronged them.

Achilles has fought in many battles so King Agamemnon could remain free from danger.
Achilles has fought in many battles so King Agamemnon could remain free from danger.

Achilles feels as though he has done a great deal for King Agamemnon and has been treated poorly in return.
Achilles feels as though he has done a great deal for King Agamemnon and has been treated poorly in return.

Achilles knows that he has failed King Agamemnon in the past but is ready to serve him now.

1 answer

The statement "Even as a bird carries food to its nestlings till they are fledged, and never ceases to work for them, while she is herself but ill fed, so has it been with me" uses figurative language to express Achilles' feelings of sacrifice and unreciprocated effort. He compares himself to a mother bird who tirelessly works to provide for her young, even at the cost of her own well-being. This suggests that Achilles has dedicated himself to fighting for King Agamemnon and the Greek army, putting himself in danger and neglecting his own needs, yet feels he has not been properly recognized or rewarded for those sacrifices.

Therefore, the best response that captures this meaning is:

Achilles feels as though he has done a great deal for King Agamemnon and has been treated poorly in return.